Thursday, February 4, 2010

Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Intro: As Christians, we will experience storms. When we say storms, we are talking about any situation or problem in our life that is: A. Unexpected – no warning; it caught you off guard, out in the "middle of the deep" B. Unpleasant – cause fear, worry, anxiety, lack of sleep (Jesus slept; they didn't!) C. Unpredictable – no idea where it's going, what will happen, how long it will stay... D. Uncontrollable – no matter what, there's nothing you can do to stop it or change it

During a storm, we need to remember some things. We need to remember:

I. God's Presence - that he went into a ship with his disciples: He was on the boat with them!!

A. He was present in the Flood - Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; B. He was present in the Fire - Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

II. God's Promise - Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.

A. His promise was simple – he didn't elaborate on the details; just said we're going over B. His promise was sure – they did reach the other side; not because of their deeds, but his!

III. God's Protection - And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish..

A. Their Approach – they went to Jesus when the storm came down B. Their Acknowledgment – they realized he was the Master C. Their Appeal – they asked him to do something on their behalf, or they would perish

IV. God's Power - Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:

A. God's Timing – then he arose; he always acts before it is too latePsalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. B. God's Test – he rebuked the wind, but he caused it! He was testing their faithPsalms 107:25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.You can't get anything done for God worrying about the storm. If it gets too bad, he'll make it stop!!

V. God's Peace - and there was a calm

A. God's Peace is Immediate – He is in full control B. God's Peace is Instructive - What manner of man is this!

Conclusion: Lessons they learned from the storm A. Nothing can hurt you when Jesus is with you B. A child of God can never perish! John 3:16 (Master, master, we perish..) C. Even when you think God is 'asleep', He is in full control.